Description:

Egypt, Romano-Egyptian Period, ca. 30 BCE to 2nd century CE. A hand-carved marble amulet meant to bestow increased fertility upon its wearer. The amulet is roughly trapezoidal with projecting top corners flanking a raised rectangular suspension loop. The body tapers inwards towards a fractured protruding element just above a stylized phallus and enlarged testes. Phalluses and fertility imagery in general were prevalent symbols in Roman life and were thought to increase the virility and fertility of men and women alike. They were also thought to act as what Pliny wrote of as a "medicus invidiae" to ward against the evil eye. Custom museum-quality display stand included. Size: 1.875" W x 2.4" H (4.8 cm x 6.1 cm); 3.625" H (9.2 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#137228

  • Condition: Repair to suspension loop with small nicks and light adhesive residue along break line. Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age and use, small chips to upper projections, middle protrusion, and peripheries, with fading to some details, and light roughness across most surfaces. Nice earthen deposits throughout.

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September 13, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000